MASTERS: Phil Mickelson and the weather

AUGUSTA – There are many reasons why golf fans like Phil Mickelson, a World Golf Hall of Fame member (Class of 2012) while still a very active and elite competitor.

They like his man-of-the-people persona, how he signs autographs and stays that extra time to sign more, and they how like he plays golf – aggressive, a little out of the box, a little out of control, high risk for high rewards.

And one reason media members like dealing with Mickelson is he will talk even when his game isn’t rewarding. He’s not a fair-weather interview subject. Mickelson followed rounds of 71 and 76 on Thursday and Friday with a 5-over-par 77 for 8 over through Saturday, a very disappointing score after he had high expectations coming in to the Masters.

Here’s part of what he said Saturday:

“It is a beautiful day here, and you cannot get a more majestic day here at the Masters. I just played terrible. There’s no way around it. I’m just not hitting very good golf shots, missing it in bad spots and not really knowing which side I’m going to miss it on. So my play has been beyond terrible, and that’s certainly disappointing. But where else would you rather be than Augusta National with this kind of weather on a weekend? It’s spectacular, and certainly I wish I played better, but it sure is fun being here.”

Now there’s a guy who loves playing golf, especially every April at the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club.